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UK Arrests Surge to 30 Daily for Online Speech Offenses Under OSA and Other Laws

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Updated Apr 22, 2025, 03:10 PM

The United Kingdom has seen a marked rise in arrests for online speech-related offenses, with police making up to 30 arrests daily for 'offensive posts' on social media. This increase is linked to the enforcement of the Online Safety Act (OSA), enacted in 2023, and other laws like the New Media Law of 2024, Section 127 of the Communications Act 2003, and the Malicious Communications Act 1988, which have broadened the definition of illegal online communication.

In 2023, arrests totaled approximately 12,183, a 58% increase from the 7,734 recorded in 2019, before the global health crisis. These arrests target not only individuals but also CEOs of telecommunications companies and online service providers, with oversight by the independent body Ofcom.

Notable cases include the arrest of Maxie Allen and Rosalind Levine for their communications with their daughter's school, and Lucy Connolly's 31-month sentence for a social media post calling for 'mass deportations' after a tragic event. These incidents have drawn criticism from figures like JD Vance, Keir Starmer, and Joe Rogan, who have highlighted the issue of digital repression in the UK. Similar concerns about online censorship are also emerging in Germany under the NetzDG law.

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